Two former students of AICCU's Independent California Colleges Advocate program, Katelyn Pohlman and Alexis Takagi, discuss the biggest challenges facing college students today, including housing, basic needs, and financial literacy. They also make a compelling, firsthand case for why higher education remains worth it, even as its value faces growing public scrutiny. Katelyn serves as a member of the California Student Aid Commission's Student Advisory Council and is set to graduate from Chapman University this spring. Alexis is a graduate of Santa Clara University and a research analyst at the Campaign for College Opportunity. This episode is hosted by Alex Graves, AICCU Vice President for Government Relations, and sponsored by First American Education Finance.

Tom Stritikus, president of Occidental College, discusses the challenges and opportunities facing higher education and shares how Occidental College is expanding college access through transfer partnerships, strengthening support for first generation and veteran students, and increasing transparency around tuition and financial aid. Drawing on his role as board chair of the American Council on Education, the nation's largest higher education association, President Stritikus also offers a perspective on the national landscape, including growing public scrutiny of higher education, federal policy pressures, and the critical importance of collaboration across the sector. Hosted by Alex Graves, AICCU Vice President for Government Relations, and is sponsored by First American Education Finance.

Dr. Larry Galizio, president and CEO of the Community College League of California, shares the critical role of partnerships in shaping California's higher education landscape. He discusses the challenges facing colleges amid federal uncertainty, the importance of flexible funding and transfer pathways, and how collaboration between community colleges and AICCU institutions can expand opportunity for students across the state. Hosted by AICCU President Kristen Soares. This episode is sponsored by First American Education Finance.